SuperFreakonomics - Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

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SuperFreakonomics is the follow up to the hugely popular Freakonomics, continuing the authors’ unique brand of economic analysis that draws interesting insights from unconventional data. The book takes on an array of quirky topics from prostitution dynamics to altruism trends to geoengineering solutions to climate change.

I enjoyed the authors’ unrelenting curiosity and contrarian spirit in questioning perceived wisdom. They shed light on intriguing aspects of human incentives and behaviors from an economic perspective. The relaxed storytelling style and mix of data analysis with first-hand reporting kept the often complex subject matter rather breezy and fun to read. 

However, some chapters felt too meandering without delivering compelling conclusions. Certain controversial policy proposals also lack nuance, such as the suggestion that dangerously releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere could feasibly solve global warming. Additionally, the absence of footnotes makes fact-checking difficult given the wide-ranging claims made.

Overall, SuperFreakonomics offers an uneven but still often fascinating romp through the unconventional insights economics can offer on aspects of modern life. While not as tightly argued or empirically rigorous as a professional economist may prefer, Levitt and Dubner’s iconoclastic analysis and breezy style can stimulate productive reevaluation of long-held assumptions. The book works best more as food for thought rather than conclusive policy prescription.

2015